Desmond Cawley is Hotel Manager, SIRO at Kerzner International.
He is a seasoned professional in the hospitality and leisure industry, boasting an illustrious career marked by leadership roles in five-star environments and a commitment to luxury service standards. Holding an MBA in Hospitality, Sport & Tourism Management from the London School of Business and Finance, Desmond’s academic credentials are further bolstered by a Hotel Revenue Management Certification from Cornell University and an International Diploma from the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH).
Beyond hospitality management, Desmond is an accredited Results Coach with the International Coaching Federation and holds certifications from the Institute of Sport & Recreation Management (ISRM) as well as the Institute of Leisure & Amenities Management (ILAM). He is a proud member of the International Health, Racquet & Sports Club Association (IHRSA).
Desmond’s professional journey is characterized by strategic leadership and operational excellence. As the Hotel Manager at SIRO, he has been instrumental in establishing the hotel as the ultimate fitness and recovery destination, integrating digital technology with world-class specialists to enhance guests’ mental and physical potential. Prior to this, his role as Deputy General Manager at Neom Palace saw him lead operations to achieve performance excellence in world-class service.
One of Desmond’s significant contributions was during his tenure as the Executive Director of Operations at Talise Group, Jumeirah He played a pivotal role in establishing the Talise Group, Jumeirah as the UAE’s leading lifestyle company with over 4,000 private members, overseeing operations across Fitness, Spa, Café, Marina, and Corporate Wellness segments. His focus on revenue drivers, innovation, and streamlining systems was instrumental in supporting the global expansion of Jumeirah Hotels.
He is also a speaker at Beyond Activ EMEA in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
